Sen. Steve West

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by the Kentucky Senate. It encourages Kentuckians to observe the National Day of Prayer on May 1, 2025, and directs the Senate to adjourn in recognition of the day. The resolution does not change any laws or allocate funds; it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the tradition of prayer. It was adopted by voice vote on March 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 17) designates May 2025 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month in Kentucky. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but formally recognizes the need for public awareness about ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure. The resolution acknowledges ALS statistics (e.g., diagnosis every 90 minutes, 2-5 year survival average) and the work of organizations like the ALS Association. It affects Kentuckians by encouraging community recognition of ALS patients and research efforts during May 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 162) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Deborah Darlene "Debbie" Ritchie, a Kentucky resident who passed away. It directs the Kentucky Senate to adjourn in her memory and expresses the Senate's condolences to her family, including her mother, four daughters, six siblings, and extended family. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally commemorates her life and legacy through a Senate adjournment. It was adopted by voice vote on March 14, 2025.

Urge the Council of Postsecondary Education and the Kentucky Department of Education, in partnership with the Secretary of State and other education entities, to develop strategies and a timeline for improving Kentucky students’ knowledge and understanding of the constitutional republic of The United States of America and the democratic processes specified therein

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 158) recognizes March 2, 2025, as Read Across America Day in Kentucky. It formally endorses the National Education Association's annual literacy campaign, which promotes daily reading through community events involving schools, libraries, and organizations. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but symbolically supports the national effort to celebrate reading and literacy, referencing Dr. Seuss's birthday and this year's theme. It was adopted by the Kentucky Senate via voice vote on March 13, 2025, as a ceremonial acknowledgment of an existing national initiative.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 141) adjourns the Kentucky Senate in honor of Jim Hatfield, a former college basketball coach and athletic director. It commemorates his career at institutions including Southwestern Louisiana, Mississippi State, and the University of Kentucky, as well as his passing on February 26, 2025. The resolution is purely ceremonial, expressing the Senate's sympathy and honoring his legacy without creating any new laws or affecting policies.

Amend KRS 16.060 to allow the commissioner of the Department of Kentucky State police to authorize officers of the department to engage in law enforcement-related off-duty employment; require the commissioner to establish policies and procedures for off-duty employment; amend KRS 16.070 to require the commissioner of the Department of Kentucky State Police to establish policies and procedures related to the use of uniforms, equipment, and facilities for off-duty employment; amend KRS 44.045 to allow officers of the Department of Kentucky State Police to use motor vehicles with regular license plates for off-duty employment.

Retain original provisions, except, make technical changes to provisions regarding funds available to the Auditor; amend KRS 43.010 to expand the definition of "state agency"; amend KRS 43.030 to rename the assistant auditor the deputy auditor and revise qualifications; amend KRS 43.050 to revise duties of the Auditor to make special audits and investigations if requested; amend KRS 43.080 to include gender-neutral language and expand the auditor's authority regarding investigations; amend KRS 43.990 to include agency premises as an area subject to examination; establish procedures for adjudication of guilt for disobedience of subpoena, subpoena duces tecum, and refusal to testify.

Prohibit the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky Board of Education, and the Kentucky Department of Education from establishing or implementing, or requiring a school district to implement, any cap, limitation, or restriction on enrollment for a virtual program; prohibit the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Board of Education from reducing or withholding any funds due to a school district from the fund to Support Education Excellence in Kentucky based on the district's operation of a virtual program; sunset prohibitions on June 30, 2026.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 48 to define "illegal alien"; prohibit state tax dollars appropriated by the General Assembly from being used to compensate an illegal alien; direct the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to assist in the implementation and enforcement of the Act.